The Puppet Villainess’s Splendid Rebellion - Chapter 53

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 53

 

I walked down the corridor after leaving the Cardinal’s Chamber, lost in thought.

 

‘First hurdle cleared.’

 

The corners of my mouth lifted slightly.

 

Who would have thought the day would come when I’d use my status as a princess like this.

 

Somehow, I felt elated.

 

‘I need to hurry back and tell Carlos.’

 

It wasn’t like I was expecting praise, but somehow I felt excited like a child who had received an award.

 

What should I say? “I totally grilled the Cardinal!” would that work?

 

I was giggling to myself when I came out through the main entrance of the Main Hall.

 

“…Huh? Duke?”

 

Unexpectedly, Carlos was standing in front of the Main Hall.

 

“Why are you here?”

 

“You’re talking as if I came somewhere I shouldn’t be.”

 

“Well…”

 

This morning you sent me off without even looking at me.

 

I thought you’d be resting at the lodgings by now.

 

Paying no mind to my bewildered reaction, he said.

 

“Looking at your expression, it seems things went as you wanted.”

 

“Yes, it went well.”

 

“What did you do?”

 

“That’s a secret.”

 

Carlos’s eyes narrowed.

 

“A secret?”

 

“It’s a secret that wouldn’t do you any good to know. It’s better if you don’t know, Duke.”

 

The truth was, if I told him that the Emperor had shady documents and that I’d known about it for a long time, I’d only receive looks of contempt.

 

Even though we’d grown less awkward after spending these past few days together, I didn’t want to lose points again.

 

Carlos stared at me intently. He seemed like he wanted to say something. Like he wanted to interrogate me.

 

But in the end, he kept his mouth shut.

 

“Fine, do as you wish, Princess.”

 

“Thank you. Oh, the registration process will proceed this afternoon.”

 

“That’s fast.”

 

“I made it so they had no choice.”

 

I answered and grinned broadly.

 

As I walked down the steps with quick steps, Carlos, who had been watching me quietly, said softly.

 

“Good work.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

What did he say?

 

“Didn’t you hear?”

 

“No, I heard you, but.”

 

“Then why are you asking again.”

 

Because it’s the kind of thing that makes me doubt my ears.

 

I looked up at Carlos with wide eyes in surprise, but unfortunately, he didn’t seem inclined to repeat himself.

 

‘So… that was praise, right?’

 

This person, to me?

 

“Why would you suddenly say something like that…”

 

“Because you accomplished something I didn’t really expect.”

 

“…Does that mean you thought I wouldn’t be able to get that promise?”

 

“You understood correctly.”

 

I wondered why he was giving me praise so readily.

 

It was a buildup for sarcasm.

 

Just as I was pursing my lips, I felt something gently cover my head. When I reflexively looked up, I saw Carlos withdrawing his hand.

 

‘Did he just pat my head?’

 

Before I could process the situation, he said casually.

 

“I meant it when I said good work. You handled a troublesome matter. Now I don’t need to step in myself.”

 

His tone was indifferent, but somehow my heart started pounding.

 

What’s wrong with me? Am I really this excited just from getting a little praise?

 

Even when I tried to calm down, it didn’t work well.

 

The inside of my ribcage kept tickling as if a feather had been placed on my heart.

 

After fidgeting with my lips for a while, I answered in a small voice.

 

“…You too, Duke.”

 

“I didn’t do anything.”

 

“Waiting is hard too, isn’t it.”

 

Carlos snorted.

 

“Nonsense.”

 

Even when I try to say something nice, he makes a fuss.

 

* * *

 

When I visited the main hall again in the afternoon, the atmosphere had somehow changed.

 

The priests who had been avoiding me and watching nervously until morning were now bowing their heads in greeting. Every time I passed through the corridor, I heard “Your Highness Princess.” There were even smiling faces.

 

‘How simple.’

 

The world is.

 

When those above change, those below change too. The moment the Cardinal decided to cooperate, the entire Temple’s attitude changed.

 

Still, it didn’t feel bad.

 

The registration process was simple.

 

Write Carlos’s and my names on two documents, sign each one, and stamp the Cardinal’s seal on both papers – that was it.

 

Originally, this could have been done by mail, and even with a visit, it would have taken 10 minutes to complete.

 

What was all this that dragged on for a full day.

 

“Please sign here, Your Highness.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Following the clerk’s guidance, I picked up the pen and wrote my name on the document. The name Lorea Pryce felt quite unfamiliar. More precisely, the surname ‘Pryce’ attached after my name.

 

‘I probably won’t have occasion to use this surname anymore.’

 

As I slowly put down the pen, Carlos signed next to my name in neat handwriting.

 

Carlos Carter.

 

The fact that two names with nothing in common were written side by side felt strangely surreal.

 

“Please check if there are any problems before submission.”

 

I carefully lifted the paper. After staring at the two names for a while, it finally hit me.

 

‘…I did it.’

 

Ward of House of Carter, Duke.

 

Now, the moment this document is stamped, the Emperor cannot forcibly drag me away.

 

Of course, he’s not someone who cares about laws, but still, there’s now a justification. Justification is important. If you move without justification, public opinion turns its back on you.

 

For an Emperor who had lived his entire life with the goal of ruling over nobles and commoners, this would be fatal.

 

“Registration completed.”

 

When I submitted the documents, the priest who reviewed the contents stamped the Cardinal’s seal and handed me one of the two papers. The other would be kept as Temple records, he said.

 

The returned document had a seal clearly stamped on it, as if proving all the hardships so far. God’s crest on red sealing wax.

 

It seemed like nothing special, but I could feel its weight.

 

I raised my head and offered my thanks to the priest.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Not at all, Your Highness Princess.”

 

The priest bowed as if honored. It was completely different from yesterday when he was desperately trying to avoid me.

 

I folded the document, put it in my chest, and looked at Carlos.

 

“It’s finished. Let’s go.”

 

“…Right.”

 

On the way out of the Temple’s main gate.

 

The sunlight was dazzling.

 

I’d heard that the Eastern Region had many cloudy days, but today was clear.

 

‘Is it a good omen?’

 

Carlos walked beside me. His face was still pale, but he looked better than yesterday. Maybe it was because the magical energy was thinner inside the Temple. Or perhaps his tension had eased now that the business was finished.

 

“Duke.”

 

“What.”

 

“You worked hard. Coming all the way here.”

 

“…You’re suddenly saying something out of the blue.”

 

“I wanted to thank you.”

 

“I merely fulfilled the contract.”

 

“I know, but still. You endured three days in a place thick with magical energy. You even saved me in the village.”

 

Carlos didn’t answer.

 

His gaze briefly rested on me before falling away.

 

‘…Did he just smile?’

 

Probably not. There’s no way this person would smile.

 

We got into the carriage without much conversation.

 

The carriage ran faithfully, and the Temple gradually grew distant. Looking back, the white building was shining under the sunlight.

 

I kept clutching the paper in my chest tightly.

 

The first button was fastened. Guardian registration.

 

‘But this is just the beginning.’

 

The Emperor won’t stay quiet. He’ll surely prepare other moves. More cunning and dirtier ones.

 

‘I’m prepared for it.’

 

Whatever move he makes, I’ll counter it.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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